Wind damage/ Insurance adjuster question

We had a very severe windstorm go through here the 18th of August and I noticed some structural damage to an older 2 story barn on the place we bought. I did not find the full extent of the damage until Monday evening when I was putting a drill in a machine shed near the barn. The entire structure has shifted on the foundation form north to south (wind came from northwest). Half of the floor joists have split through on the southwest side of the barn and stones have fallen from the foundation on the north side. Insurance adjuster called today, wanted to come look at the barn next week. He said it would not be necessary for me to be there and then said "it is an old barn, it was built in 1958". As he has already come to the conclusion on the this claim, what can I do to prepare an argument to make sure this damage is covered as it should be?

Make a point to be there at his inspection. Do not let him inspect it without you there you can point out your concerns in person while looking at the barn. It will be worth your time.

and that is not a old barn. old barns were built in the 1800's, i repair barns older than that.that barn is younger than i am, and i don't think i am old.LOL

(quoted from post at 11:15:18 10/21/11) We had a very severe windstorm go through here the 18th of August and I noticed some structural damage to an older 2 story barn on the place we bought. I did not find the full extent of the damage until Monday evening when I was putting a drill in a machine shed near the barn. The entire structure has shifted on the foundation form north to south (wind came from northwest). Half of the floor joists have split through on the southwest side of the barn and stones have fallen from the foundation on the north side. Insurance adjuster called today, wanted to come look at the barn next week. He said it would not be necessary for me to be there and then said "it is an old barn, it was built in 1958". As he has already come to the conclusion on the this claim, what can I do to prepare an argument to make sure this damage is covered as it should be?

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Could be one of 2 things. He's trying to set you to low ball it (common practice but illegal in some states) or preparing you for him to total it.


1. READ your policey. See if you are under insured and if you have replacement cost value (some people insure older buildings that are in poor shape hoping to have a loss and get a "free" replacement).

2. Be there when he inspects it. Don't try to talk the building up, just let the adjuster do his job but you being there to point things out will let him know that you are interested in protecting yourself.

3. Have your policey with you! If you have any questions about it ask hin if he has the time. Adjusters very often know more about insurance and the laws of your state than an agent. Mn for example only required about 6 weeks of training to be an agent when I was adjusting. An independant adjust had a very detailed test to pass. I'm still surprised that I know far more about Mn insurance laws than most agents I know.

4. If you don't agree with the estimate you can get one from a contractor at your cost. You can also seek arbitration if you don't agree to a proposed settlement.

Don't be real surprised if you get a fair deal too. Some adjusters are real jerks and others do a good job for both the company and the insured.

Rick

I had a roof damaged and they wanted to depreciate its value based on age so I would have to pay a bigger share,I pointed out that the roof had be gone over by a contractor who had pulled loose nails and screwnailed it all down and it had been painted,arguing that the roof was in new condition..they paid.
I lost two machinery sheds, my barn roof and part of the house roof seven years ago,two tractors damaged inside the sheds,some minor damage to some machinery..I thought they would try and nickle and dime me,but to my surprise they paid up all damages as set out in the policy according to the policy. I ended up with new rafters and steel roof on the barn,a new 40x80' shed,a good repair of slate roof on the house and damage to the tractors paid for. They paid out $55,000,I had to add another $12,000 to complete everything,but I had a new shed,bigger and better than the two smaller ones and I learned that I was under insured by about 20%..but all in all quite happy with everything..and I thought they would try to low ball me....

Have a camera with you.
gitrib

Always be there. Time well spent (and money saved) in the long run.

A repair in todays $ will probably be more than it cost to build the whole thing in the 1950s. It will certainly cost more to replace...perhaps you can point that out to him if he seems reluctant to cough up.

Don't assume he is an adversary as some are quite accommodating. If he attempts to get off on the cheap make sure you document all phone calls, conversations and written communications and the date and time they occurred. That way if the adjuster doesn't want to pay you can contact the Insurance Bureau in your state and file a grievance. That usually makes the insurance company take notice and do the right thing.

I would be there, get an estimate from a contractor too. Have a friend there and introduce him as attorney "we fleec em" and tell the adjuster he specilizes in insurance and real estate law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You didnt notice it intil monday just where have you been itds your property and you had a storm and you didnt have time to chekc it out how was the adjuster to know just when your damage happened to him it could have been 20 yrs ago your property check it out when a storm happens.

I fully intend to be present when the adjuster is on the property. It was a statement from him that I did not need to be there. That immediatley through up a red flag for me. I have a contractor coming out to give a bid on Monday before the insurance adjuster comes out. As for not finding the damage in a timely manner, yes that is my fault but given that most of the damage is visible only from the interior the delay is understandable in my opinion. As for damage occuring over the last 20 years, yes its possible but my agent should have noted that when we bought the farm in May. It was a sound structure then.

Read your policy!!!!Pay heed to the co-insurance clause. For instance you have $2500.00 ins. on a building worth $10,000.00 you only are insuring 25% and can only collect 25% of the cost of repair .Farm outbuildings are usually not insured for replacement cost.